This blog has nothing to do with gorillas (though I love 'em)...fellow bloggers have inspired me to share vintage images of Disneyland from my personal collection. But don't be surprised if you see something from a World's Fair, Knott's Berry Farm, or someplace else that is cool!

Thursday, November 01, 2012

I have acquired a big bunch of slides from the 1970's featuring various big band legends performing at the Plaza Gardens. They get a bit repetitive, but I definitely want to share the best of them with you once in a while.

Today we'll have a look at Harry James and his Big Band. Harry was 56 in 1972. Did you know he was once married to Betty Grable? Hubba hubba! His band was the first to employ a young singer named Frank Sinatra in 1939, and at one point, Buddy Rich was part of his orchestra. Here he is, blowing his horn!

Wikipedia says that Harry was known for his "astonishing technical proficency as well as his superior tone". His first big hit was "You Made Me Love You", which was in the top 10 when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

The drummer in the background is, as you can see, Sonny Payne. Sonny played with Count Basie's orchestra from the mid-1950's to 1962. When Buddy Rich left Harry James' orchestra, Sonny Payne replaced him. You can find clips on YouTube of Sonny playing with Harry James!

I wish I knew the name of this lovely singer, but could find no information. If anybody has a clue, please leave a comment!

A few brave souls take to the dance floor. My friend said that there were many nights when he couldn't get near the stage, but then there would be nights where nobody was there, which must have been disheartening to the performers. Show biz! It's a tough racket.

@K Martinez. I kind of agree. I hate to see the old places erased, but when I walked through there last trip, it was sad to see it empty. There's no market for saving it as a historic place unless someone appreciates the history that was made there. Someday, Gettyburg will be completely paved over, because no one will remember why it was special.

Music and dancing like that just isn't popular like it used to be and the youngsters have moved on to the entertainment outside in the Downtown Disney area.

My parents were not big dance fans, but I remember seeing the signs for the big names and hearing the music as a boy.

Now, I much prefer this big band and jazz style to the so-called "rock and roll music" of my youth.

Major, thank you for the classic pictures of a bygone era, now lost forever.

I took a jazz history class in college and though the class itself was dreadful I did get to hear the greats of jazz and big bands and I fell in love with the music. I imagine hearing these guys at the happiest place on earth would be like sprinkles on top of ice cream :)

Right up until it's closing just last Spring, Plaza Gardens was very popular on Saturday nights (and maybe Fridays too) with Swing Dancing. And it was still being used regularly during the daytime for school group performances.